Gender Disparity in Reality TV: Only 16% of Creators Are Women, Study Finds

Are women being left behind in the world of reality television? A recent study conducted by the Geena Davis Institute, Banijay Entertainment, and Everywoman Studios has shed light on the significant gender disparities in the industry. The study analyzed decision-making roles in reality shows from 2021 to 2023 in the US, UK, Brazil, and France. Shockingly, it found that only 16% of creators of these shows are women, with men overwhelmingly dominating this key creative position. The trend seems to be getting worse, with the percentage of male creators on the rise. In the US, 80.6% of creators are men, compared to just 16.1% who are women. This imbalance raises questions about who holds the power and creative control in the world of reality TV. Are women’s ideas not being given credit, or are they simply not getting the opportunity to create shows of their own? The study also revealed that 63% of executive producers on reality shows in the US are men, reflecting a similar gender disparity in decision-making roles. These findings highlight the need for greater gender diversity in the industry and more opportunities for women to take on leadership roles behind the scenes of reality television.